How does the game even work?

For first-time or casual viewers, American football can seem unbelievably complex and hard to fathom, but it's quite simple really.

The aim of the game is to advance up the field in increments of at least 10 yards. The team in possession has four attempts to do so. If they're successful, they're granted another four attempts. If they fail, possession switches to the other team.

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After three unsuccessful attempts, the team in possession will usually punt - kick the ball as fair away from their own end zone as possible - or attempt a field goal - kicking it over the post for three points.

To get a touchdown, a player must get into the opposition's end zone while in control of the ball. Doing so is worth six points, with an extra point for the Point After Touchdown - basically the NFL equivalent of a conversion.

There are two ways to move up the field, running or passing. Running the ball carries less risk of interception, but passing allows for greater yardage.

Typically, the team in possession will throw the ball to their quarter back, with the offensive line attempting to block the opposition to give him time and space to make a pass.

Do say: "Why would you punt on third and two?!"

Don't say: "This is just rugby in helmets, isn't it?"

Tom Brady is in his seventh Super Bowl (Image: www.splashnews.com)

But what about all the jargon?

If you're a newbie, some of the lingo can be impenetrable. We can't explain it all here, but here are some phrases you need to know.

The pocket - The area of space behind the line of scrimmage in which the quarter back operates.

Sack - When a quarter back is tackled while in possession.

Grounding - When a pass is intentionally thrown incomplete or out of bounds to avoid loss of yardage.

Hail Mary - The American football equivalent of sticking a centre-back up-front and lumping the ball to him.

Lineman - The guys trying to protect the quarter back. Would eat a Glasgow bouncer for breakfast. Without milk.

Do say: "Why didn't they challenge that? That's grounding all day ref!"

Don't say: "They've no even got pockets!"

What time is kick-off? Is it on TV?

It'll be a late one. The game doesn't kick-off until 23.30 UK time, and it will last over three hours. You can catch the action live on BBC One and Sky Sports 1 or 3.